Nigeria takes action to stem influx of foreign construction workers

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Nigeria’s president has spoken out against the influx of foreign construction workers and promised to address shortages of skilled locals.

President Muhammadu Buhari has told federal ministries to come up with a plan to expand vocational training centres.

He gave the directive after being told at a meeting with directors of a leading construction company that a shortage of competent local workers meant that many companies were forced to bring in skilled people from abroad.

Buhari has demanded a report on the status of federal government vocational training centres and said that his administration will ‘take all necessary action to reposition them rapidly’.

He assured members of the board of Julius Berger Nigeria that his administration will ensure that the Building Craft Training School and the Skill Improvement Centre in Lagos are fully revamped, staffed and equipped to produce more skilled electricians, brick and block layers, carpenters, painters, welders, fabricators, plumbers and other artisans.